Back Pain Q&A with Pain Recovery Center of Tyler

What does back pain mean for you? What is back pain telling you?

Back pain is typically not a serious health condition, but can occur following an injury, with incorrect posture or after bending and twisting awkwardly. The pain a person experiences lets them know the body is injured and needs rest and/or medical treatment.

What back pain do I have?

Back pain can be complex, depending on each individual’s age, overall health, cause of pain, etc. This often makes back pain more difficult to both diagnose and treat. In order to determine the exact type/cause of back pain, it is always best to schedule an appointment with a medical professional.

What is the most common cause of back pain?

The most common cause of back pain, especially lower back pain, is associated with a torn or pulled muscle and/or ligament. These strains are usually caused by heavy lifting or an awkward movement.

What back pain can cause to your overall health?

A person’s overall health can decline because of acute or chronic back pain. Chronic back pain is described as pain that lasts longer than three months, even if no injury is present. Many individuals suffering from prolonged pain and discomfort report lessened physical activity, sleep disturbances and changes in mood and everyday behaviors. Many people also experience decreased work activity and social involvement.

What could be the cause of upper back pain?

Upper back pain is usually caused by overuse, muscle strains or injuries to the muscles, discs and ligaments that are responsible for supporting the spine.

Why does my lower back hurt?

Much like the upper back, lower back pain is most often caused by overuse, muscle strains or injuries to the muscles, discs and ligaments that support the spine.

What does it mean when back pain moves around?

Back pain with ‘referred pain’ varies widely from patient to patient when it comes to severity and intensity. Referred pain is usually felt in the lower back and radiates (moves) into the groin, buttocks and upper thighs. In this form of back pain, it is always recommended a physician diagnose the exact cause and location of pain.

What do I do when back pain becomes unbearable?

Back pain that is considered ‘unbearable’ is often caused by a broken vertebra, a tumor, arthritis of the spine or an infection. Any individual suffering from extremely severe pain that limits activity should visit a physician or emergency room immediately.

What do I do when back pain is serious/dangerous?

If back pain becomes disabling and/or persistent, or has not subsided within 1-2 weeks, it is best for an individual to schedule an appointment with a physician so the cause of pain can be determined and properly treated.

How can back pain affect your life?

One of the most dangerous impacts of chronic back pain is how it impacts a person’s mental health. Back pain that is left untreated causes stress that leads to sleep disturbances and mood changes. The mood and sleep changes then cause additional stress, which leads to worsened pain. Stress and pain often turn into a cycle that is difficult to break.

When should you go to the doctor for back pain?

An individual should visit a physician if back pain is constant or intense, the pain radiates (moves) down one or both legs, the pain occurs with swelling and/or back redness, the pain comes with unintended weight loss or the pain causes weakness, tingling or numbness in one or both legs. 911 should be called if the pain is accompanied by a fever of if the pain is caused by a car accident, severe fall or sports injury.

Who to see for back pain?

While it is common for a person to start off with a primary care provider, a specialist with advanced training in pain management or a spine specialist may be the next step if the pain does not subside.

What is the best medicine for back pain?

The most commonly non-prescribed and prescribed medications for back pain include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatorydrugs (NSAIDs) such as Motrinandnaproxen, muscle relaxantsand opioid-based pain medications.

How do I relieve/reduce back pain?

There are numerous ways to reduce back pain including exercise, practicing good posture, limiting time in bed and sitting down, strengthening the core, improving flexibility, using ice and heat therapy and visiting a physician for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

How long does it take to heal lower back pain?

If it is a discomfort rather than pain, the discomfort usually subsides in about one week. The more severe the pain, the longer it will take. Generally, most low back pain caused by a strain or soft-tissue injury resolves in 3 to 6 weeks.

Neck Pain Q&A with Pain Recovery Center of Tyler

What does neck pain mean? Why do I feel pain in my neck?

Much like back pain, neck pain is usually not a serious health condition, but can occur following an injury, with incorrect posture or after sleeping in an awkward position. The pain a person experiences lets them know the body is injured and needs rest and/or medical treatment.

How does neck pain occur?

Common conditions that cause neck pain include muscle/ligament strains, degenerative disc disease (DDD), pinched nerves, herniated discs or neck injuries such as whiplash. Neck pain can also occur with common infections such as a viral throat infection.

How does neck pain cause headaches?

Headaches caused by neck pain, known as cervicogenic headaches, are often misdiagnosed and are usually caused by stiff neck joints, neck joints that move too much or neck joints that are locked in an abnormal position.

What causes neck pain and stiffness?

By far, the most common causes of neck pain and a stiff neck include a muscle strain or soft tissue sprain. Other common causes include sleeping in an awkward position, turning the head from side to side repetitively or slouching the neck for an extended period of time while viewing a computer or mobile device.

What neck pain can cause in your overall health?

As mentioned in the back pain section,one of the most dangerous impacts of chronic pain is how it impacts a person’s mental health. Neck pain that is left untreated causes stress that leads to sleep disturbances and mood changes. The mood and sleep changes then cause additional stress, which leads to worsened pain.

What do I do when neck pain is severe and serious?

If neck pain becomes severe or disabling, it is always recommended a person visits a physician or the nearest emergency room immediately. A medical professional will be able to diagnose the cause of pain and determine the proper treatment protocols.

What neck pain is considered serious?

If neck pain occurs after a car accident, sports injury or other traumatic event, the neck pain may be caused by a more serious health condition. Neck pain may also be severe if it is associated with a fever or an infection.

What do I do when neck pain won’t go away?

If neck pain does not go away on its own within 1-2 weeks, it is best to contact a physician.

Who to see for neck pain?

While it is common for an individual to first visit with a primary care provider, a specialist with advanced training in pain management or a spine specialist may be the next step if the pain does not subside.

What helps neck pain?How do I stop/reduce/relieve neck pain?

For less severe causes of neck pain, heat and cold therapy, over-the-counter pain medications and/or NSAIDs, rest and slow range-of-motion exercises often alleviate pain and discomfort in a short period of time. For more severe causes of neck pain, a pain management specialist may recommend physical therapy, spinal decompression, injection therapy or prescribed medications to lessen the pain level.

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